Rifle Scopes Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

[boltstop]

A definite trend on this forum is for the purchase of scopes that are $1000 and up in price. For most of you, I'd say, a $1000 scope is the cost of entry into this class.

Lots of you guys are buying $1400 Nightforce scopes as the entry scope, am I right? Quite a few are dumping them later for S&B, Swarovski, Zeiss, et al?

Is there a big counterfeit market in these kinds of scopes? If a shooter tries to buy one used, what are the chances that he's going to get rooked on a fake from ChinaInc/eBay? With this in mind, how have you avoided overpaying for a fake?

 

[High Binder]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boltstop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A definite trend on this forum is for the purchase of scopes that are $1000 and up in price. For most of you, I'd say, a $1000 scope is the cost of entry into this class.

Lots of you guys are buying $1400 Nightforce scopes as the entry scope, am I right? Quite a few are dumping them later for S&B, Swarovski, Zeiss, et al?

Is there a big counterfeit market in these kinds of scopes? If a shooter tries to buy one used, what are the chances that he's going to get rooked on a fake from ChinaInc/eBay? With this in mind, how have you avoided overpaying for a fake? </div></div>

Knowledge is power. Of the upper end scopes out there I have only seen fake Luepolds/IORs. Never seen a fake NF/SB/USO.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

get up off the couch and finger fuck stuff.....know what you are looking for and educate yourself on the ways of the world

 

[mscott]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

Get a serial # and call the manufacturer to verify the model and features before sending your $$$. That's why some adds have pics of the ser# in them.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

Never seen or heard of fugazi nightforce, S&B, USO, hensoldt. I have heard of and seen fugazi leupold, aimpoint and other accessories like magpul stocks, harris bipods, etc. If you are in the mkt for a leupold, get the serial # and call the company directly. They will check it for you.

 

[cttbax]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">get up off the couch and finger fuck stuff.....know what you are looking for and educate yourself on the ways of the world </div></div>


fucking classy!!!! Boltripper always delivers!!!!!!!!

 

[308Shooter1911]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

I recently bought a Nightforce on the Hide. I used Paypal as they have buyer protection for just such an occasion. When I recieved my scope after visual inspection was to call the manufacture to verify the serial number and authenticity.

PS: I did extensive research on the scope and model for which I wished to purchase and made sure the seller sent high quality pics to ease my mind about sending 1600$ over the internet.
Also, make sure the seller discloses all thier info(I.E. Name, Address, Etc) as well as u disclose yours. If the seller does not want to disclose, find another scope to purchase.

 

[nitronova]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

Definately do research like we all do. They are all pretty easy to tell which are fakes and which are the real deal only lupy are the ones that I know of having a look a like out there. Check serial numbers that is the best way. Also check the good guy list so you know he is gtg.

 

[jakhamr81]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

Another reason to check the serial number BEFORE you buy is to find out if it may have been stolen from the government, especially when buying optics that are used by the military.... Ask me how I know.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

Best way to avoid getting a fake... buy from someone here on Snipers Hide!!!

Having bought (and sold) a couple of scopes here on the 'Hide, I can say that your chances of getting a counterfeit here are very, very slim. Probably zero.

Though you don't often see super dirt cheap bargains on top optics (people here generally know what stuff is worth), the peace of mind you get from dealing with 'Hiders is priceless. And IMHO, the deals offered in the FS areas of the forum are much more of a bargain than you may find on auction sites or List sites. Just my $0.02.

Cheers,

Sirhr.

 

[2ndamendfan]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

One thing that you have to remember is the market. Before I started on snipershide I thought as 90+% of shooters that Leupold was "TOP OF THE LINE" (no shit I really did). I had never heard of S&B, IOR, NightForce, Premier, USO, Vortex. I too have never heard of anything fake other than Leupold. So the chinese aren't going to fake somthing that the general public knows nothing about.

So I wouldn't say it is 100% safe. But with the upper brands it really is less likely.

 

[jeo556]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a serial # and call the manufacturer to verify the model and features before sending your $$$. That's why some adds have pics of the ser# in them. </div></div>

I sold a Leupold Mark 4 here on the hide and proir to listing it I called Leupold to verify Authenticity(I was my buddy's scope). Give them the serial number and the manufacturer should be able to tell you if its real/fake, manufacture date and related info.

 

[njlohmann]

Re: Buy a scope used - what chance it's counterfeit?

Just buy used scopes off of the hide and your going to be fine. I have never had problems buying used NF scopes off of here.